Sep.8 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has criticised sections of the Monza crowd for booing George Russell after Kimi Antonelli’s spectacular home victory.
Antonelli has rapidly become a national hero in Italy, and the traditionally Ferrari-dominated tifosi celebrated his Mercedes victory like a success by the Maranello based team.
But some also turned against Russell, Antonelli’s teammate and championship rival.
“Of course, the Italians’ emotions are running high, no question, but that has no place in sport,” Schumacher said.
Journalist Ralf Bach, of f1-insider.com, agreed.
“The tifosi have adopted Antonelli,” he said. “He’s their national hero, so they easily accept that Ferrari doesn’t win.”
“I didn’t see much difference in the celebrations today compared to a Ferrari victory.”
But he said the hostility towards Russell went too far.
“They believe that if someone is Antonelli’s enemy, then they are also our enemy, and that’s unfair.”
“That was very personal against someone who is simply the teammate and main rival in the world championship fight of their new hero.”
Russell himself played it down.
“When you’re racing in somebody else’s home country, that’s to be expected,” said the Briton.
“So, yeah – smirked it off.”
His actual defeat, however, drew much harsher analysis, with David Coulthard describing the sight of Antonelli coming from 19th to beat a teammate who started at the front as “embarrassing” for Russell.
Nico Rosberg similarly called it a “brutal defeat”, saying he would have found it mentally extremely difficult to accept his teammate charging from the back to victory.
Antonelli showed little sign of slowing down early this week, heading straight to a karting day with his Mercedes team despite admitting he was exhausted.
“I’m really tired, I’m quite exhausted, but you can’t say no to karting,” he told Italian media.
And when asked whether he had ever considered settling for second behind Russell on Sunday, Antonelli was emphatic.
“Never! I couldn’t help but try to win.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES